Panthers' Draft Day: Trading Up or Down?

0:00On April 22nd, the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off tomorrow, and the Carolina Panthers hold the 19th overall pick in the first round. They're gearing up for every possibility, not locked into staying put. General manager Dan Morgan says they're wide open to trading up or down if it lands an impact player. Experts like Peter Schreger are mocking the Panthers trading back to snag extra picks from teams like the Houston Texans, maybe grabbing a wide. Receivers such as Texas A&M's KC Concepcion. Meanwhile, insiders in Rappaport, Albert Breer, and Dan Graziano flag Carolina as a squad eyeing a jump for top offensive tackle. Fans and analysts are buzzing because the Panthers front office, including Vice President, Brandtillis, thrives on those buddy-to-buddy calls that. Seal Draft Aid deals. Their flexible mindset means they're not just hoping the board falls right. They're ready to shape it. Trading up to around the 13th pick could cost the 4th rounder and a future 3rd, letting them lead frog teams like the Detroit Lions, or Baltimore Ravens for tackles, tied in Kenyans to Deek, or Safety Dylan Diamond.

1:08Dropping back into the mid-20s, my pile-on picks for Whiteouts like Omar Cooper Jr., or a safety such as Traydan Stukes. Whatever shakes out Thursday night, the Panthers are primed to wheel and deal, turning that 19th spot into real firepower for the roster.